Success on Your Competency Exams

Test-taking can be stressful, and competency exams are no exception. The good news is that there are things you can do to prepare that will help ensure a positive outcome.

IMPORTANT! Please review the important information below:

• Maximum of three attempts per competency test are allowed 
• If you fail, consult with your recruiter before retaking - a recruiter will help identify areas of improvement based on feedback from our Director of Clinical Service
• If your 3rd attempt is failed, your contract will be canceled due to failure to meet the needed requirements

Testing Through Relias

• Read the test outline. When you first click on the link for the exam, there is an “Important” box that has a link to the exam outline 
• You must go through the questions linearly. After a question is answered, you will not be able to go back and review/change the answer
• If you log out while taking the exam, the exam will pick up where you left off when you log back in
• Should you have technical difficulties, you will only be allowed a maximum of two re-entry attempts. Should you exceed the maximum number of re-entry attempts, your exam will be scored as completed, with unanswered questions marked incorrect. Please reach out to your recruiter if you are having technical difficulties
• Before retaking any exam, review the questions you missed on previously failed exams and focus on studying these topics
• Clinical exams are timed, one minute per question, but there is plenty of time to take the exam. DO NOT focus on the time. To avoid stressing over the time, we suggest placing a sticky note over the timer

Testing Through Healthcare Source

• For certain competency tests, you will have an opportunity to download any reading materials to review before taking the test
• If you would like to come back to a question later, mark the question with the "Review Later" toggle switch

General Tips

• Use a desktop computer. Relias is launching a mobile-friendly version, but it is not live yet. Reading and understanding the questions is much easier on a desktop versus a phone or tablet
• Make sure you are well-rested! Sleep is directly tied to academic performance
• Fuel your brain with healthy food and water before the test - avoid sugar and/or caffeine
• Minimize/eliminate distractions, interruptions, etc. while testing
• Relaxation techniques may help with test anxiety, such as deep breathing, relaxing muscles one at a time, or closing eyes and imagining a positive outcome. Even a little exercise before the exam may help release tension
• Ensure you have a solid internet connection that will allow you to fully complete the test
• DO NOT take any test while working or right after finishing a shift
• Take each test seriously - be prepared and be focused

Study Guides & Practice Exams

To best prepare for your exams, please thoroughly review each of the following helpful hints, Dysrhythmia practice exams, and study guides - linked below: